However, there was neither rhyme nor reason in our speculating very long as to why we were thus summoned. We were bound to answer the call as soon as might be or find ourselves slated for punishment; and as soon as Master Hackett announced that we were togged out in proper fashion, Phil and I went aft feeling very uncomfortable in mind. And we came to know then, if never before, that there is no sense in crossing bridges till you come to them, or, in other words, it's unwise "to trouble trouble till trouble troubles you." On going aft we found my cousin, Lieutenant McKnight, standing near the break of the quarter-deck, and, saluting him as I would have done had there been no kinship between us, I asked if he knew who had summoned us. "I did, lad," he replied. "It is the captain's orders that you and your mate look after the prisoner, Oliver Benson. He has been cared for by one of Robert White's cronies, and it is believed best to give him in charge of those who have personal reasons for holding him fast, particularly while we are in the harbor of Valparaiso. You'll find him in the brig, and separate rations will be served out for him. See to it that he holds no communication with any of the crew; but allow him to walk about for half an hour every day while you stand guard over him with loaded muskets. In order to render you more careful, lads, I may say that we believe the fellow has some plan for escape in his mind, and you are detailed as his keepers in order that we may be certain of nipping it in the bud." This was the longest speech the lieutenant, my cousin, had favored me with since I came on board, and it pleased me mightily, as did also the fact that we two lads were rated by our officers as being better able to look after the prisoner than some others of the crew. Having spoken, Lieutenant McKnight turned on his heel, and we were left to set about the new duties according to our own ideas as to how they should be performed. We went below from the after end of the gun-deck, and there found the gloomy cage guarded by a single sentinel, with whom Benson appeared to be carrying on a lively conversation. This portion of the ship would have been shrouded in darkness but for a lantern which hung over against the bench where I fancied the guard should remain, and the light was so dim that for the moment Benson did not recognize us. "Have you come to relieve me?" the marine said as we approached, and while replying to him I was seized by a sudden thought. "Will you ask Lieutenant McKnight if he expects us both to remain on duty, or may we stand watch and watch?" "It ain't likely he counts on two lads at the same time lookin' after one man who's locked in where he can neither help hisself nor hurt others," the marine replied pertly, whereupon I told him that we should expect him to bring an answer directly from the lieutenant, otherwise I would go on deck and learn the reason why.